Inhibition of NMDA receptors by agmatine is followed by GABA/glutamate balance in benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome

Background Drug withdrawal syndrome occurs due to abrupt cessation of an addictive substance. Dependence to diazepam can be manifested by withdrawal syndrome which may include symptoms such as irritability, psychosis, sleep disturbance, seizures, mood disturbance, and anxiety. Studies have described the therapeutic role of agmatine in various neurological disorders such as depressive mood, learning deficits, anxiety, memory impairment, and psychosis. Various studies have also validated agmatine as a putant neuromodulator and revealed its mechanism of action with other neurotransmitters. The study was designed to reveal the potentials of agmatine in benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome by maintaining GABA/glutamate balance. The study aimed to determine the underlying mechanism of action of agmatine at synaptic level using behavioral and biochemical evaluations. Results Agmatine significantly enhanced locomotion in open filed test and decreased anxiety as observed in elevated plus maze test ( p < 0.01). Agmatine also reduced withdrawal symptoms scores along with compulsive behaviors in marble burying test and improved muscular strength by decreasing latency to fall in inverted screen test ( p < 0.01). Moreover, agmatine established GABA/glutamate balance by increasing GABA levels and decreased glutamate concentration significantly ( p < 0.01). Conclusion The present study reveals the possible mechanism of action of agmatine on NMDA receptor at GABA interneurons and glutamate post synaptic neuron that may lead to GABA/glutamate balance during withdrawal syndrome.